Niamh McEvoy is

our March star

CONGRATULATIONS are due to Co Tyrone native Niamh McEvoy, who has been voted Star of the Month for March after achieving three consecutive weeks of stellar success on the Andalucia Sunshine Tour. Her results included winning Grands Prixes during weeks five and seven, with Olympic GL FVD and BP Rocket Man respectively, as well as a number of top placings with her other rides Rock ‘N Roll ter Putte, Miro NS and Boleybawn Alvaro. Niamh and many of these horses were seen on home soil earlier this month at the Ballypatrick open day, and we look forward to cheering her throughout the season.

Rockview Harriers to host 30th annual event

THE Rockview Harriers 30th annual hound, terrier, lurcher, whippet and pet show will take place next Sunday, May 3rd, at the Seven Houses coursing ground near Danesfort, Co Kilkenny. Classes include working terrier, hound, lurcher, whippet and family pet divisions, as well as one for young handlers, and organiser Johnny Dicker says it is “a good opportunity for packs to get some showing practice in, and a great day out for all the family.” Entries will be taken on the day, and the judging will begin at 1pm with the pet show taking place at 2pm.

Fun minimus day

THE North Kilkenny Hunt Branch of the Irish Pony Club is holding a fun fledgling, minimus and tetrathlon day tomorrow, Sunday. Events will commence at the swimming pool in Thurles, before moving on to Nuenna Farm Equestrian Centre in Freshford for the shoot, run and ride phases.

The Kildare Branch is holding a similar competition on Sunday May 10th, when the swim will take place at K Leisure in Athy before the other disciplines are held at Punchestown, while the Laois Branch have listed a similar event for Sunday May 24th.

RIP John Reid

INTERNATIONAL event riders Jonny Steele and Jim Newsam have been among those paying tribute to passionate horseman John Reid, who died earlier this week. Reid was a loyal owner for both riders, and enjoyed great days with, among others, the Steele-ridden prolific winner Centre Stage, and Lara’s Song, who jumped double clear around the CCI5* at Burghley with Newsam in 2011. Reid is survived by his children Hannah and Chris, his extended family and many friends.

Mongey to lead the National Stud

MINISTER for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, this week appointed David Mongey as the new chairman of the board of the Irish National Stud, replacing the late Dan Flinter. Mongey’s most recent role at the Stud was as chair of the National Stud’s Audit and Risk Committee, and he is currently the chairman of Punchestown Racecourse and formerly of the tourism body Kildare Failte.

“I wish David every success during his term of office and look forward to working closely with him over the next five years,” Minister Heydon said.

Ulster appointment process ‘incorrect’

SHOWJUMPING Ireland CEO Pat Hanly has confirmed that following the Ulster Region meeting on March 10th, a complaint was received regarding the Nomination and Appointment process carried out that evening.

“The SJI Board deemed the process incorrect and notified the Ulster Region,” Hanly confirmed. “The Ulster Region must rerun its appointment process for the SJI Board.”

He also confirmed that the Ulster Committee as published in these pages last month stays in place. “SJI has yet to confirm the correct nomination and appointment process,” he said.

When asked if the sitting Ulster Directors will see out their terms on the national Board of the Directors he said: “SJI cannot comment on the Directors’ intentions”.

Mr Hanly also confirmed on behalf of SJI that the the legal firm representing SJI in an Ulster legal case has come off record, which means they ceased to act for SJI as a client in that litigation.

Burghley box office

now open

TICKETS are now available to purchase for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials 2026, which will be held at the Lincolnshire estate from September 3rd-6th. As well as the action in the CCI5* and the young event horse classes, visitors also have the opportunity to witness the official retirement of one of the greatest five-star campaigners of recent decades, Oliver Townend’s Ballaghmor Class, which will take place in the main arena on Sunday. Tickets can be found at www.burghley-horse.co.uk.